Despite serving what judge Gail Simmons called "fantastic" food, were eliminated. Their dish—tomato broth with poached cod—failed the technical requirement of the challenge; the judges felt the fresh tomatoes made the dish taste sweet rather than umami and sour.
The episode ended with a twist: both Nini and Karen were sent directly to to fight for a spot back in the competition against the previously eliminated Lisa Fernandes.
Kevin Gillespie and Melissa King (Umami & Bitter) wowed the judges with a charred cabbage dish that perfectly captured the "harmony" of the challenge. Top Chef All Stars L.A. - Episode 6
In honor of the , the chefs met legendary conductor Gustavo Dudamel at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Inspired by the idea of musical harmony, the chefs worked in pairs to create a dish that balanced two opposing flavor profiles: salty, sweet, bitter, sour, or umami.
Gregory Gourdet took home the prize with his mastery of gluten-free cooking. The Elimination Challenge: A Symphony of Flavors Despite serving what judge Gail Simmons called "fantastic"
Gregory & Stephanie, and the unlikely duo of Lee Anne & Malarkey, managed to avoid the bottom.
Bryan Voltaggio & Eric Adjepong (Bitter & Sweet) and Nini Nguyen & Karen Akunowicz (Umami & Sour). The Elimination: A Double Departure Kevin Gillespie and Melissa King (Umami & Bitter)
Top Chef All-Stars L.A. Recap: Harmony and Heartbreak in "Get Your Phil"